Day 10 was a game changer.

He waited on a response, but I could only stare into His kind eyes of liquid love.
I had no words.
How could I take my eyes off of Him, let alone speak?

“What do you want?” He continued

Instantaneously my heart woke up and conviction set in

Who knew that questions so simple and matter-of-fact could erupt such a complex realization within. I was already ten days into a forty day journey, and apparently I had been sleeping through it. Even though Jesus had only asked me two questions, I was able to understand the deeper inquisition behind what He really meant, and in my heart I heard His quiet whisper,

“Wake up and stop sleeping (spiritually and physically). Seek me and you will be given what you ask. Your time in Israel is short and I have so much to show you. You said ‘yes’ to my invitation of deeper intimacy when I brought you here, but you have not been serious about intentionally being with Me. What is it that you really want? Intimacy with me is not a decision I take lightly, so, if your yes is yes, lean in closer and come after me. I am jealous for your time, your thoughts, and your love.”

There was a moment of awe after waking up. I had just spent two months in Africa loving the poor and seeking the heart of God with all of my strength, and yet I was told I was still sleeping. How could this be?

If Jesus himself came and met me face to face just to tell me to wake up, then I knew it was time to get serious about being with Him. I concluded that the whole point behind Jesus’ gentle rebuke was to explain that when we walk in His love, there is never a moment to “plateau”, or be content. Jesus really does mean it when He invites us to “come away” with Him. He takes our “yes” seriously, and desires that we hold true to our word.

Instead of feeling discouraged by this dream, I was plagued with excitement by the realization that the mountaintop I was standing on was about to get even taller!
There was STILL MORE!

More love.
More revelation.
More of Jesus!

Day 10 was a game changer!

I am not special. Well, I am, but you are equally as special to God.
Jesus extends this beautiful invitation of intimacy to each of us. An invitation to come away with Him and pursue a love that burns so fiercely that it is impossible for your heart to sleep at night. It is your choice to say “yes”

The Passion Translation sums it up so perfectly

After this I let my devotion slumber,
but my heart for him stayed awake.
I had a dream.
I dreamed of my beloved –
he was coming to me in the darkness of night.
The melody of the man I love awakened me.
I heard his knock at my heart’s door
as he pleaded with me:
Arise my love.
Open your heart, my darling, deeper still to me.